PSYCHOLOGY CORE

Take the following course:

PY-101 Introduction to Psychology

An overview of the content and methodology in the field. Topics such as the history of psychology, physiological psychology, learning and memory, perception, motivation, child development, personality and social foundations are considered

3 CreditsS


STATISTICS COMPONENT

Take the following course:

PY-366 Research Methods & Statistics

Introduces the methodological skills necessary for conducting research and for becoming a better consumer of psychological science. Students will learn to think critically about claims and accurately summarize primary source articles about behavior. Students will learn statistical concepts commonly used to evaluate data, how to effectively communicate research, and make ethical judgments informed by APA ethical standards.

4 Credits Prerequisite: PY-101


Take one of the following courses below (MA-205 is the preferred option):

MA-205 Elementary Statistics

Introduction to traditional statistical concepts including descriptive statistics, binomial and normal probability models, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses, linear correlation and regression, two-way contingency tables, and one-way analysis of variance.

4 CreditsN, QS, WK-SPPrerequisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

MA-220 Introduction to Probability & Statistics

An introduction to the basic ideas and techniques of probability theory and to selected topics in statistics, such as sampling theory, confidence intervals, and linear regression.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisite: MA130

BI-305 Biostatistics

This course deals centrally with quantitative and statistical methodology in the biological sciences. It includes experimental design and the conventions of generating, analyzing, interpreting and presenting biological data. Counts as a math course for graduate and professional school requirements.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisites: BI106 or ESS100


BREADTH COMPONENT

APPLIED & PROFESSIONAL:

Take two of the following courses:

PY-203 Abnormal Psychology

A brief consideration is given to the historical approaches to " mental illness, " followed by a consideration of present day classification, diagnostic measures, and therapy. Emphasis throughout is upon experimental data as applied to the various disorders.

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY101.

PY-210 Psych Professional Development Seminar

This course explores professional opportunities in the field of psychology and related fields. You will assess your professional skills and interests and create materials needed for a successful internship, job, or graduate school search. We also will explore how professional knowledge and skills can be shared as future engaged and effective members of communities.

1 CreditsS

PY-321 Health Psychology

Course will examine empirical findings from disciplines of psychology, medicine, and public health. Course topics include research methods, stress and social support, health behavior and primary prevention, management of chronic/terminal illnesses, gender and cultural issues in health, and psychoneuroimmunology. An underlying theme will be to dispel health-related myths and fads that are so prevalent in popular media.

4 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY-101.

PY-322 Sport Psychology

This course provides an overview of sport psychology. Students will gain insight into the psychological processes involved in sport and other fields involving human performance. Topics such as motivation, arousal and stress, burnout, skill acquisition, team dynamics, and psychological skills training will be explored as they relate to maximizing our ability to perform at a high level.

3 CreditsSPre-Req: PY-101

PY-370 Intro Counseling Theories & Techniques

This course is an introduction to major theoretical perspectives and practice techniques employed in contemporary counseling and therapeutic environments, with an emphasis on individual and group processes. In addition to practical application activities (e.g., motivational interviewing), students will also be introduced to techniques and requirements necessary for establishing an appropriate therapeutic relationship and becoming a skilled helper, including ethical/legal considerations, consultation, referral, crisis counseling, and counseling research. By the end of the course, students should have a broad knowledge of counseling theories/theoretical orientations, basic counseling skills, and philosophies that support the building and maintenance of therapeutic relationships.

3 CreditsS

PY-404 School Psychology

This course explores a scientist-practitioner model for improving learning and educational outcomes for all students. Focus is on the application of psychological principles and research-based models of prevention and intervention to improve outcomes. As a community-engaged learning course, coursework will be applied to a project identified by a community partner as meeting a community need.

4 CreditsS, SW-LEPre-req: PY-101. Pre-req or co-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.


BRAIN & BEHAVIOR:

Take two of the following courses:

PY-238 Biopsychology

Focuses on neurobiology and neuroanatomy as they relate to sensory processes, motivation, reinforcement, learning, and memory.

3 CreditsS, NPrerequisite: PY-101 or BI-101 or BI-105.

PY-270 Cognitive Neuroscience

Focuses on the neural mechanisms of mental processes including sensation and perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and decision making. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, functional imaging techniques, and evidence from neurotypical and clinical populations. 

3 CreditsS, NPrerequisites: PY101.

PY-303 Learning & Conditioning

Explores the issue of how we are changed by experience, using primarily a behaviorist perspective, applied to animal and human data. Both theory and applied applications of theory will be considered.

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY101.

PY-375 Psychology of Emotion

This course introduces the scientific study of emotion (Affective Science). It examines the historical and philosophical origins of emotion but focuses on contemporary theories, concepts, and methods of study in emotion science; the relationship between emotion, cognition, and the brain; and variation in emotion phenomena related to gender, culture, and group processes.

3 CreditsSPre- or Co-Requisite: PY-101 or SO-101.

PY-401 Comparative Psychology

Comparative Psychology examines the continuity of behavioral and psychological mechanisms between nonhuman animals and humans suggested by evolutionary theory. Attention is paid to the comparison between human and nonhuman animals on traditionally human characteristics, including self-recognition, language, culture, tool use, and several other characteristics.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PY-402 Evolutionary Psychology

This course uses the lens of modern evolutionary theory to understand human behavior. We will look for the influence of human evolutionary history on several modern human behaviors including, among others, dating and marriage, aggression, altruism, child-rearing, and behavioral differences between the sexes.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PY-412 Expertise and Performance

What makes a great performer great? This course addresses this basic question by exploring various processes underlying skill learning and performance from a psychophysiological and neuroscientific perspective. Throughout the course, a model of effective learning and performance will be developed, discussed, and critiqued, guided by the unifying principle of efficiency.

3 CreditsN,S,CSPre-Reqs: PY-101.

ESK-303 Motor Learning & Control

This course will introduce students to basic knowledge of the development of fundamental motor patterns and perceptual motor skills for a more effective understanding as to why and how children and adults learn and perform motor skills. In addition, students will learn assessment and evaluation of motor skills, and methods and activities for developing these skills.


SOCIAL, DEVELOPMENTAL & CULTURAL:

Take two of the following courses:

PY-202 Personality

A consideration of representative approaches to the study of human personality, beginning with standard theoretical approaches and their applications. This is followed by a consideration of selected topics within the field of personality, e.g. aggression, sexuality, dependency, and competence. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY 101

PY-205 Social Psychology

The study of human interaction and interpersonal relationships, including selected areas of current research and theory such as social perception, interpersonal communication, attitude formation and change, conformity, aggression, and interpersonal attraction. 

3 CreditsS 

PY-211 Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Studies

This course explores the constructs of race, ethnicity, and identity with a focus on how they help us understand ourselves, societies, and the relationship between self and society. The course explores race, racism, antiracism, equality, and hierarchy. As a Social Inquiry course, this course emphasizes social scientific methodologies to address these topics.

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre- or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

PY-302 Moral Judgment

This course meets the Ethical Responsibility requirement. This course will cover basic issues relevant to understanding and evaluating moral judgment. We will compare philosophical models of human judgment with psychological models of human judgment. You will apply both philosophical and psychological models to contemporary ethical issues and reflect on your own beliefs and social responsibilities.

3-4 CreditsS, SW-ER, CTGES

PY-350 Developmental Psychology

This course is designed to integrate core topics in the discipline of developmental psychology with current key issues in society. Consequently, students will have the opportunity to analyze scientific literature and make connections to current, everyday life issues. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore developmental theory and its connection to public policy, known as " best practices " in parenting and education and consider developmental theory's influence on current trends in our broader society.

3 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY101 or ED120 or ED130.

PY-312 Cultural Psychology

Cultural psychology is the scientific study of how cultural norms influence how individuals think, feel, and behave. Cultural psychologists study the ultimate social situation: culture. Questions from this field are relevant to our everyday lives and are important in shaping our understanding of ourselves and views of others.

3 CreditsS 


ELECTIVES

Take two of the following courses:

PY-190 Introduction to Poverty Studies

The Introduction to Poverty Studies course will offer students an interdisciplinary exposure to the study of poverty, challenging them to explore the ways in which factors such as class, culture, race, gender, and geographic place operate to form an interrelated system that produces poverty and alters the trajectory of many important life outcomes. Among other course objectives, students will gain an evidence-based understanding of theoretical models of poverty and the ways in which poverty manifests differently within this country and across the globe.

3 Credits

PY-199 Special Topics

Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic.

1-4 CreditsPrerequisites and fees vary by title.

PY-202 Personality

A consideration of representative approaches to the study of human personality, beginning with standard theoretical approaches and their applications. This is followed by a consideration of selected topics within the field of personality, e.g. aggression, sexuality, dependency, and competence. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY 101

PY-203 Abnormal Psychology

A brief consideration is given to the historical approaches to " mental illness, " followed by a consideration of present day classification, diagnostic measures, and therapy. Emphasis throughout is upon experimental data as applied to the various disorders.

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY101.

PY-205 Social Psychology

The study of human interaction and interpersonal relationships, including selected areas of current research and theory such as social perception, interpersonal communication, attitude formation and change, conformity, aggression, and interpersonal attraction. 

3 CreditsS 

PY-210 Psych Professional Development Seminar

This course explores professional opportunities in the field of psychology and related fields. You will assess your professional skills and interests and create materials needed for a successful internship, job, or graduate school search. We also will explore how professional knowledge and skills can be shared as future engaged and effective members of communities.

1 CreditsS

PY-211 Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Studies

This course explores the constructs of race, ethnicity, and identity with a focus on how they help us understand ourselves, societies, and the relationship between self and society. The course explores race, racism, antiracism, equality, and hierarchy. As a Social Inquiry course, this course emphasizes social scientific methodologies to address these topics.

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre- or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

PY-216 Public Health

This seminar serves as an introduction to evidence-based public health. The course will utilize public health methodologies to investigate historical and current public health issues.

4 CreditsS,N,WK-SPPre-req or co-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

PY-238 Biopsychology

Focuses on neurobiology and neuroanatomy as they relate to sensory processes, motivation, reinforcement, learning, and memory.

3 CreditsS, NPrerequisite: PY-101 or BI-101 or BI-105.

PY-270 Cognitive Neuroscience

Focuses on the neural mechanisms of mental processes including sensation and perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and decision making. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, functional imaging techniques, and evidence from neurotypical and clinical populations. 

3 CreditsS, NPrerequisites: PY101.

PY-299 Special Topics

Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic.

1-4 CreditsPrerequisites vary by title.

PY-302 Moral Judgment

This course meets the Ethical Responsibility requirement. This course will cover basic issues relevant to understanding and evaluating moral judgment. We will compare philosophical models of human judgment with psychological models of human judgment. You will apply both philosophical and psychological models to contemporary ethical issues and reflect on your own beliefs and social responsibilities.

3-4 CreditsS, SW-ER, CTGES

PY-303 Learning & Conditioning

Explores the issue of how we are changed by experience, using primarily a behaviorist perspective, applied to animal and human data. Both theory and applied applications of theory will be considered.

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY101.

PY-304 Cognitive Psychology

Explores an array of issues in human memory, primarily from a cognitive/information processing point of view. Major emphasis is on using research data to formulate answers to both theoretical and applied questions. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: PY101.

PY-312 Cultural Psychology

Cultural psychology is the scientific study of how cultural norms influence how individuals think, feel, and behave. Cultural psychologists study the ultimate social situation: culture. Questions from this field are relevant to our everyday lives and are important in shaping our understanding of ourselves and views of others.

3 CreditsS 

PY-321 Health Psychology

Course will examine empirical findings from disciplines of psychology, medicine, and public health. Course topics include research methods, stress and social support, health behavior and primary prevention, management of chronic/terminal illnesses, gender and cultural issues in health, and psychoneuroimmunology. An underlying theme will be to dispel health-related myths and fads that are so prevalent in popular media.

4 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY-101.

PY-322 Sport Psychology

This course provides an overview of sport psychology. Students will gain insight into the psychological processes involved in sport and other fields involving human performance. Topics such as motivation, arousal and stress, burnout, skill acquisition, team dynamics, and psychological skills training will be explored as they relate to maximizing our ability to perform at a high level.

3 CreditsSPre-Req: PY-101

PY-340 Research in Psychology

Allows students to become involved in an ongoing research program. Students will be required to read primary literature from the specific field of investigation and become involved in execution of an ongoing experiment. Students will be expected to perform the activities relevant to the experiment, assist in the analysis of the data, and write an APA style paper based on the results of the experiment. 

2 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY101 and permission. Repeatable up to 3 times.

PY-341 Research in Psychology

Allows students to become involved in an ongoing research program. Students will be required to read primary literature from the specific field of investigation and become involved in execution of an ongoing experiment. Students will be expected to perform the activities relevant to the experiment, assist in the analysis of the data, and write an APA style paper based on the results of the experiment.

2 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY101 and permission. Repeatable up to 3 times.

PY-350 Developmental Psychology

This course is designed to integrate core topics in the discipline of developmental psychology with current key issues in society. Consequently, students will have the opportunity to analyze scientific literature and make connections to current, everyday life issues. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore developmental theory and its connection to public policy, known as " best practices " in parenting and education and consider developmental theory's influence on current trends in our broader society.

3 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY101 or ED120 or ED130.

PY-370 Intro Counseling Theories & Techniques

This course is an introduction to major theoretical perspectives and practice techniques employed in contemporary counseling and therapeutic environments, with an emphasis on individual and group processes. In addition to practical application activities (e.g., motivational interviewing), students will also be introduced to techniques and requirements necessary for establishing an appropriate therapeutic relationship and becoming a skilled helper, including ethical/legal considerations, consultation, referral, crisis counseling, and counseling research. By the end of the course, students should have a broad knowledge of counseling theories/theoretical orientations, basic counseling skills, and philosophies that support the building and maintenance of therapeutic relationships.

3 CreditsS

PY-375 Psychology of Emotion

This course introduces the scientific study of emotion (Affective Science). It examines the historical and philosophical origins of emotion but focuses on contemporary theories, concepts, and methods of study in emotion science; the relationship between emotion, cognition, and the brain; and variation in emotion phenomena related to gender, culture, and group processes.

3 CreditsSPre- or Co-Requisite: PY-101 or SO-101.

PY-399 Special Topics

Variable: 1-4 credits. Occasional offerings in which a group of students and a professor explore an area of specialized interest in a seminar format. Recent offerings have been " Multicultural Psychology " and " Psychology of Gender. " Students may take each ST: course for credit.

1-4 Credits

PY-401 Comparative Psychology

Comparative Psychology examines the continuity of behavioral and psychological mechanisms between nonhuman animals and humans suggested by evolutionary theory. Attention is paid to the comparison between human and nonhuman animals on traditionally human characteristics, including self-recognition, language, culture, tool use, and several other characteristics.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PY-402 Evolutionary Psychology

This course uses the lens of modern evolutionary theory to understand human behavior. We will look for the influence of human evolutionary history on several modern human behaviors including, among others, dating and marriage, aggression, altruism, child-rearing, and behavioral differences between the sexes.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PY-404 School Psychology

This course explores a scientist-practitioner model for improving learning and educational outcomes for all students. Focus is on the application of psychological principles and research-based models of prevention and intervention to improve outcomes. As a community-engaged learning course, coursework will be applied to a project identified by a community partner as meeting a community need.

4 CreditsS, SW-LEPre-req: PY-101. Pre-req or co-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

PY-412 Expertise and Performance

What makes a great performer great? This course addresses this basic question by exploring various processes underlying skill learning and performance from a psychophysiological and neuroscientific perspective. Throughout the course, a model of effective learning and performance will be developed, discussed, and critiqued, guided by the unifying principle of efficiency.

3 CreditsN,S,CSPre-Reqs: PY-101.

PY-495 Psychology Int. Sem.

Requires students to reflect on the internship experience and /or pursue research related to the placement. Corequisite: PY490.

2-6 CreditsSPrerequisite: permission.


CAPSTONE

Take the following course below:

PY-415 Capstone in Psychology

The purpose of this course is to assess the skills students acquire during their undergraduate career in the Psychology Department. Students will be expected to produce a written professional work. 

3 CreditsS, CSPrerequisites: PY101 and PY309 and ND.SS214 and Senior standing.


POE Credit Total = 37-38

Students must complete at least 18 credits at the 300/400-level. Any course exception must be approved by the advisor and/or department chair.